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ZEISS applies artificial intelligence to 3D x-ray microscope reconstruction technologies

ZEISS Research Microscopy Solutions

Achieve up to 10x higher throughput plus even better image quality with new DeepRecon Pro and PhaseEvolve modules from ZEISS

29 Jul 2021
Ellen Simms
Product and Reviews Editor

Product news

Two new reconstruction technologies introduced by ZEISS use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve data collection and analysis, and speed up decision-making significantly. Now available for the Advanced Reconstruction Toolkit (ART) on ZEISS Xradia 3D X-ray platforms, ZEISS DeepRecon Pro and ZEISS PhaseEvolve modules increase throughput by up to 10x while producing better than ever image quality. They’re designed for research fields including geosciences, pharmaceuticals, electronics, battery and engineering materials as well as for semiconductor failure analysis.

ZEISS ART gives researchers continuous access to the latest technologies for reconstruction, providing flexible workflow strategies as their imaging needs evolve. The toolbox is based on advancing reconstruction technologies beyond the typical “filtered back projection” or Feldkamp-Davis-Kress (FDK) algorithms. It enables acquisition and analysis with even fewer projections, reducing scan times by up to 10x, depending on the sample type and size, thus saving a considerable amount of time. These developments offer real benefits to professionals in academic R&D, high technology industry R&D, and industrial quality control & failure analysis laboratories as well as to university shared (core) facilities and mining/oil exploration (economic GEO) test labs.

ZEISS DeepRecon Pro

ZEISS offers DeepRecon AI-based technology in two forms: ZEISS DeepRecon Pro and ZEISS DeepRecon Custom. Both modules provide improved image quality at high speed. DeepRecon Pro is a reconstruction technology that provides up to 10x higher throughput along with image quality benefits across a diverse set of sample types. It is applicable to unique samples as well as to semi-repetitive and repetitive workflows. Users can now train new machine learning network models themselves, working on-site with an easy-to-use interface.

ZEISS DeepRecon Custom is targeted specifically at repetitive workflow applications. ZEISS collaborates closely with users to develop custom-created network models that fit their repetitive application needs precisely.

ZEISS PhaseEvolve

ZEISS PhaseEvolve is a post-processing reconstruction algorithm that enhances the image contrast by revealing the material contrast uniquely inherent to X-ray microscopy, often overprinted by phase effects in low-medium density samples or in high-resolution imaging. This new module allows users to conduct more accurate quantitative analyses with improved contrast and segmentation of results.

Dr. Markus Ohl, Department of Earth Sciences, Utrecht University (The Netherlands) was one of the first users of ART. He says: “ZEISS DeepRecon Pro provides a straightforward, uncomplicated and powerful application of AI and deep neural network technology for enhancing X-ray tomography results without prior knowledge on deep learning technology.”

Both ZEISS DeepRecon Pro and ZEISS PhaseEvolve modules offer greatly improved image quality for many applications – typically 3D non-destructive sub-µm resolution imaging and 4D in situ studies. The traditional challenge of choosing between either image quality or sample throughput has been resolved with these new capabilities.

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X-Ray Diffraction and SpectroscopyX-Ray diffraction & spectroscopy are used in material characterization to discern the structure and elemental composition of a sample. X-Ray diffractometers (XRD) are superior instruments in elucidating the dimensional atomic structure of crystalline materials, including powders, thin films and single crystals. For large unit cells or ordered macromolecules, consider small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). X-ray spectroscopic techniques include X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), both providing simple and accurate methods for determining the elemental composition of a material. Energy dispersive (EDXRF) and wavelength dispersive (WDXRF) XRF spectrometers are available, as well as handheld/portable devices. High-resolution, 3D microstructure characterization of materials can be achieved with X-ray microscopes combining sub-micron resolution imaging with 3D computed tomography. Find the best XRD and XRF spectrometers in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Electron MicroscopyElectron microscopes (EM) are used to create high-resolution images of samples at the nanoscale by means of an accelerated beam of electrons as a source of illumination. Types of electron microscope include scanning electron microscopes (SEM), transmission electron microscopes (TEM), scanning transmission electron microscopes (STEM) and cryo-electron microscopes. Focused ion beam (FIB) microscopes are useful for modifying or milling a sample surface with nanometer precision, as well as imaging. Find the best electron microscopes in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.High ThroughputHigh throughput experiments allow the simultaneous processing of several samples. This parallelization reduces the cost per experiment and increases reproducibility and output volume of data.MicroscopyMicroscopy is a technique used to observe small objects in detail, from cells to materials, using light or electron microscopes. It enables researchers to examine structures with high resolution, aiding in fields such as biology, medicine, and materials science. With advanced microscopy techniques, scientists can gain insights into cellular processes, tissue structures, and material properties. Explore the best microscopy solutions in our peer-reviewed product directory, compare products, read customer reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.PharmaceuticalsPharmaceuticals are medicinal drugs used in healthcare to diagnose, prevent, cure and treat illnesses. Pharmaceuticals that are excreted after use appear in wastewater and can have detrimental effects on the environment.

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ZEISS applies artificial intelligence to 3D x-ray microscope reconstruction technologies